All set for fast-paced 3D racing

Students from Bucks UTC project manage a Scalextric event in conjunction with 3D Print World - pictured with some of the students are 3D Print worlds Sarah Dyckhoff and David Dilworth

Published:17:33Tuesday 30 June 2015

Schoolchildren are gearing up to take part in a Scalextric race of epic proportions – with cars they designed and 3D printed themselves.

Scalextric has moved on a little bit in recent years, with tracks now complete with pitstops and the ability to change lanes to overtake opponents on the same track.

But Aylesbury’s 3D Print World has taken the technology to a whole new level and made it into a multi-schools competition.

On July 11, students from schools including Aylesbury High School, Aylesbury Grammar School, Thomas Fremantle, Bucks UTC and Lord Williams’ School will take to the track, using cars they have designed and 3D printed themselves. The inaugural Schools Design Competition Race will take place at Bucks UTC to coincide with the college’s open day.

Martin Dyckhoff, of 3D Print World, said: “The schools challenge matches the curriculum and the winning racers will get a 3D printer for their school.

“Scalextric has moved on a bit in the last few years, but to the best of our knowledge this is the first time that 3D printing has been used to make the cars.

“It’s much more exciting because you can have more than one car racing on the same track racing at different speeds, you can change lanes and do overtaking manoeuvres.”

The complex track for the race has been housed at Rogue Bowling in Aylesbury, while 3D Print World technicians put the finishing touches to it.

And organisers are planning a special multimedia experience for anyone attending the race.

Mr Dyckoff said: “We are having a sound system to make it more realistic, and a live video feed will appear on overhead screens coming directly from trackside cameras.”

He added: “This event brings together the latest affordable 3D printing technology coming into schools and affordable competitive motorsport, with very small cars.

“We believe that there should be a 3D printer for every student in the classroom and at home.”

And members of the public can join in the fun, by cheering on their favourite team from the trackside.

The event is free. To find out more visit www.3dprintworld-aylesbury.co.uk